Heartburn isn’t really about your heart. It is a common condition of the stomach and esophagus — more than sixty million Americans experience heartburn symptoms at least once a month. Heartburn is also known as acid indigestion.
When you swallow, food goes down your throat and esophagus, through a valve called the lower esophageal sphincter, and into the stomach. The valve closes when you have finished swallowing. The stomach releases acids to break down the food and start the digestion process. If your lower esophageal sphincter opens too often or does not close tightly, stomach acid can creep back up into the esophagus. This is what causes the burning sensation of heartburn!
Stomach acid can damage the esophagus in different ways. Ulcers can form. The esophagus can narrow. Your chances of esophageal cancer can go up. A chronic problem with stomach acid refluxing into the esophagus is called GERD — Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
Heartburn may feel like a burning in the chest, just behind the breastbone, that occurs after eating. It can last just a few minutes or several hours. There may be pain after bending over, lying down, or eating. It may feel like something is stuck in your chest or throat. You may also feel a burning in the throat, or have a strange taste at the back of your throat — hot, sour, salty, or acidic.
Some of the symptoms of heartburn may seem like a heart attack. Not sure what you’re feeling? Call your doctor for a check up. Reporting your symptoms can help your doctor figure out whether you’ve got heartburn or something more serious.
What causes heartburn? A lot of different things, including:
- Eating large portions can increase stomach pressure and increase the amount of acid in the stomach
- Certain foods like onions, citrus fruits, tomatoes, garlic, peppermint, chocolate, spicy foods, and high-fat foods
- Certain beverages like citrus juices, alcohol, caffeinated drinks, carbonated drinks
- Eating before bed
- Lying down or bending over after eating
- Being overweight can increase stomach pressure and increase the amount of acid in the stomach
- Smoking
- Some antibiotics, aspirin, and other medications